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When you work in government or for government, there’s a good chance the spotlight eventually will land on you.

The people we elect and the people they hire ultimately respond to the whims of voters and taxpayers. It’s difficult to have multiple “bosses,” even when most of the time they don’t pay much attention.

It also is difficult, I expect, to have reporters looking over your shoulder, asking pesky questions and describing your efforts and accomplishments for all to see.

In the world of science, a pair of researchers recently developed a paper describing how people can tune in to a single speaker and distinguish the conversation in a crowded, noisy room. Their April paper in the journal Nature described it as “selective hearing.”

That phrase means something very different in my household. I believe when my wife uses it she refers to my tendency to ignore something I don’t want to hear ... or at least a perceived tendency.

Politicians in Frankfort who still believe government edicts can somehow or other deliver the commonwealth from the scourge of prescription drug abuse are once again approaching the issue with a butcher knife instead of a scalpel.

In the workplace, it surreptitiously moves under the guise of “networking.” In the church, it can be elevated to the status of “prayer requests.” But when brought to a court of law, it is usually called “defamation of character.”

It can be dangerous and destructive. Written or spoken words intended to harm or hurt others can have serious implications, especially when those words are communicated in the public domain.

Who would have thought buying a chicken sandwich with a pickle on it could become a political statement?

Two weeks ago, the political donations and faith-based beliefs of the 91-year-old founder of Chick-fil-A were of little concern. In the past week, it has dominated social media and newspaper front pages and altered the dining habits of thousands ... at least for a day.

I have to admit I know absolutely nothing about the political posture of Zaxby’s ownership. I do know I love their chicken fingers.

As chief justice, I find it disheartening that I can no longer assure you that the courts in Kentucky will be open when you need them.

For the first time in modern history, we will have to close every courthouse in the state to balance the Judicial Branch budget. For three days in 2012, we must furlough all court personnel and close all doors because the General Assembly has not allotted enough money to fund court operations at current levels.